Once again, both the Igloo Coder and Rockarts beat me to it, but it definitely bears repeating. If listening to JP Boodhoo talk about TDD and mock objects last month made you wet your pants with delight (it didn’t happen to me personally but I’ve heard anecdotes!), then I can assure you that listening to Rod Paddock - the Editor in Chief of Code Magazine - speak on Thursday, May 25th at EDMUG’s second meeting will, without exaggeration, blow your genitals clean off.

I’m sure that for those of you who haven’t been reduced to a sputtering, gibbering mass of hysterics at this announcement have a lot of questions, like

"ROD PADDOCK ROD PADDOCK OMG OMG SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE"
"What is Rod speaking on?"
"Are Rod’s biceps really that big?"
"Will he be bringing the chains and the belt?"
"CODE MAGAZINE HOLY CRAP"
"Seriously, Justice, exploding genitalia?  Are you even 10% hetero?"

The answer to all of these questions is WHO CARES*~!  Rod Paddock, the man, the myth, the monster is coming to Edmonton!! Will he talk about VS.NET and hacking project templating? Will he talk about the season finale of 24? Will he talk about what it is like being an idol of millions? When you think about it, does it really matter?

Even though I know that most of you find the idea of FREE STUFF offensive, I am going to run that risk and tell you that in addition to Rod Paddock gracing us with his attendance, copious (and I mean copious) amounts of swag will be available for the taking at this next meeting. This includes

• books
• T-shirts
• software
• bags
• etc.

Can you imagine that?

Seriously, Rod Paddock AND free stuff?

Let’s take some time out to be honest with ourselves. I know that if you looked deep within your heart, you would admit that you are carrying around a deep gaping void, an almost bottomless chasm within you that you are shuffling around this mortal coil not knowing how to fill.

But Rod Paddock can fill that void.

On Thursday, May 25th, 5:30 PM, at the downtown Edmonton Public Library (see directions) Rod Paddock can…and will.

* (Except for the bicep question - I'm reasonably sure the answer is YES)